Around the Ring: What’s the Best Piece of Advice You’ve Heard Lately?
One may argue teenagers have a lot of learning left to do, but I could also argue they may be wiser than they get credit for. After all, they are in a period of life where they hear a lot of advice from well-meaning parents, family members and friends. This is the first in a two-part Q&A series from my time spent with some of the exhibitors who showed the top-placing livestock in the Illinois State Fair junior show.
So, what is the best piece of advice they’ve heard lately?
“Surround yourself with good people to learn from and take their suggestions to get better.”
– Maddox Reedy, 11-year-old son of Kyle and Sarah Reedy of Tuscola, Ill. Reedy exhibited the Grand Champion Land of Lincoln Market Steer
“Keep working at it even when you’re having a really hard day. It will pay off in the end, and all of the hard days will become worth it.”
– Taylor Rhoads, 18-year-old daughter of Matt and Jennifer Rhoads of Genoa, Ill. Rhoads exhibited the Reserve Grand Champion Barrow Overall
"Never give up – keep working hard. Sometimes that means giving up time with friends to put in the hours in the barn. But it’s worth it.”
– Nolan Hoge, 15-year-old son of Mark and Katie Hoge of Good Hope, Ill. Hoge exhibited the Grand Champion Market Goat Overall
“Never miss an opportunity. When you get the chance to attend new shows and work with more experienced livestock people, do it!”
– Harper Hess, 14-year-old son of Marcus and Shanna Hess of Bushnell, Ill. Hess exhibited the Reserve Grand Champion Market Goat Overall
"The time you put into your animals directly reflects in the show ring. The hours spent at home that no one sees do not go unnoticed at the show."
-Hunter Shike, 15-year-old son of Dan and Jennifer Shike of Sadorus, Ill. Shike exhibited the Grand Champion Market Barrow Overall
“If you get frustrated at your animal, just walk away for a minute and come back. If you get frustrated, it makes your animal frustrated. Your time will be better spent taking a break.”
– Logan Campbell, 9-year-old son of Scott and Lisa Campbell of Little York, Ill. Campbell exhibited the Reserve Grand Champion Land of Lincoln Market Barrow
“I would tell all exhibitors, and especially the young ones, that you won't always win. But if you keep your head down and work to your full potential, it will always pay off in the long run.”
– Kashen Ellerbrock, 16-year-old son of Jeff and Kelly Ellerbrock of Atkinson, Ill. Ellerbrock exhibited the Grand Champion Market Steer Overall
“Always be willing to listen and learn from those offering advice. Never think that you have all the information already learned.”
– Lilian Unger, 16-year-old daughter of Shawn and Nora Unger of Chebanse, Ill. Unger exhibited the Grand Champion Market Lamb Overall
Read More:
No, He’s Not a Buffalo: Why We Can’t Avoid Their Questions Anymore
9 Rules Parents Throw Out the Window During Fair Week
There’s Just Something About Stock Show Friends
